Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
When is this event?
The date of the event is March 22nd, 2025. Check-in begins at 8:00a.m. at the Barber Junction Visitor’s Center and classes begin at 9:00a.m. Classes and activities will conclude by 3:00p.m.
Where is this event?
North Carolina Transportation Museum
1 Samuel Spencer Dr
Spencer, N.C. 28159
704-636-2889
www.nctransportationmuseum.org
What does this event include?
This event includes:
● Hands-on aviation activities facilitated by museum educators to complete the Aviation
Merit Badge
● A 25-minute ride around the museum on our historic train
● Experience a ride on the 1924 turntable, the centerpiece of railroad operations at the
largest remaining roundhouse in North America
● Museum scavenger hunt
● Free time to explore the museum
● Flag raising
● Lunch
How much does this event cost?
Pricing and Registration Coming Soon
What's the schedule of the event?
Check-in is from 8:00-8:30 a.m. at the Barber Junction Visitor’s Center.
Saturday morning starts with a flag-raising ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Scouts will be assigned to morning or afternoon class sessions, train rides, lunch at the picnic shelters, and time to explore the museum.
How do I register?
You can register your Troop by clicking the “register” button on the main web page. At least one responsible adult (leader/parent chaperone) is required to register and stay for the duration of the event. Please call Meghan DeLapp at (980) 305-6298 if you have questions about registration.
Can we camp onsite?
Onsite camping is not available for BSA Aviation Day.
There are a variety of campgrounds within a short drive of the N.C. Transportation Museum:
● Carolina Rose Campground- Salisbury, NC
● Cross Winds Family Campground- Linwood, NC
● Dan Nicholas Park Campground- Salisbury, NC
● Golden Pond Campground- Salisbury, NC
● High Rock Marina and Campground- Lexington, NC
● Tamarac Marina Campground- Salisbury, NC
Can Cub Scouts attend?
No. We have a separate event for Cub Scouts, please visit www.nctransportationmuseum.org for additional details. An exception is Arrow of Light scouts who are associated with a Scouts BSA troop. They may take part in this event with their troop.
What about younger siblings?
No, except for special circumstances. Please contact Meghan DeLapp at 980-305-6298 or meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov for more information.
What about food?
Lunch will be provided for all ticket holders. Our two lunch options are included below. Please note that our vegetarian option is available by request only. You will be asked to select your desired lunch option during event registration.
- Sandwich Lunch Option:
- 1 Deli Meat Sandwich (Ham & American, Turkey & Swiss, or Roast Beef & Provolone on Kaiser Rolls with Lettuce)
- Chips/Cookie
- Water and a Caprisun
- Vegetarian Option (By Request Only):
- Garden Salad with Dressing (Mix of romaine lettuce, red onions, cheese, grape tomatoes and shredded carrot.)
- Humus w/side (Plain and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Served with celery, pita bread and baby carrots)
- Water and a Caprisun
What if it rains?
Are scouts allowed in the gift shop?
Where and when do we check in?
Check-in is Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. at the Barber Junction Visitor’s Center adjacent to the parking lot.
What do we need to bring for the merit badge workshop?
● A printed merit badge worksheet for each scout
http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/aviation.pdf
● A pen or pencil for each scout
What requirements will be taught?
Scouts BSA Rail Day covers everything required to earn the Aviation Merit Badge. Some requirements, such as riding a train, will be covered during your free time. Your troop will rotate through five 25-minute classes:
| Class | Requirement |
| Intro to Aviation and Pilot Certifications | 1 a,e |
| How Airplanes Work | 1 b,c,d |
| All About Instrumentation | 2 e,f |
| Flying Without Leaving the Ground | 3 b |
| Careers in Aviation | 5 |
| Aviation Facilities (not a class) | 4c |
Does someone at the museum sign scouts’ Blue Books to earn their merit badge?
Merit Badge Counselor
A Merit Badge Counselor will be on-site for our 2024 Scout’s BSA Rail Camp and 2025 Scout’s Aviation Day. When applicable, our counselor will be available to sign off on blue cards for each merit badge once all classes have been completed and all requirements have been satisfied.
Counselor Information:
Meghan DeLapp
Counselor For Aviation & Railroading Merit Badges
Central North Carolina Council 416
When do we get our event patches?
What are the uniform requirements?
What is the refund policy?
We do not offer refunds or exchanges unless Scouts BSA Aviation Day itself is canceled or rescheduled due to weather or COVID-19.
If Scouts BSA Aviation Day is canceled, we will offer an alternative date. We will offer refunds for 30 days after the alternative date is announced; after that, we cannot give refunds.
Additional Questions?
Please contact Meghan DeLapp at meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov or 980-305-6298 or June Hall at june.hall@@dncr.nc.gov or 980-305-6274.